Michael Ben David to represent Israel at Eurovision 2022
Israeli singer secures spot at upcoming song contest after beating out competitors in finale of ‘X-Factor’; will perform the song ‘I.M.’
Singer Michael Ben David is headed for Italy, having been chosen Saturday to represent Israel at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest.
Ben David received the nod after winning the finale of “X-Factor,” beating out three other singers to secure a spot in Turin.
He won the show with the song “I.M.,” which he will also perform at Eurovision in May. The song was written by Lidor Saadia, Chen Aharoni and Assi Tal.
“I’m a little shocked,” Ben David, 25, told the Kan public broadcaster. “People voted for me and that means they accept me for who I am. This isn’t only for me. This is for so many people who feel worthless and useless.”
While on “X-Factor,” Ben David spoke openly “about the difficulties he faced as a child, from being bullied at school for singing in a high-pitched voice, to the trouble that his mother initially had accepting him when he came out as gay,” Michael has noted that this has contributed to him finding a lot of inner strength in himself,” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>according to the Eurovision website.
“Michael has noted that this has contributed to him finding a lot of inner strength in himself,” it said.
Israel was represented at last year’s Eurovision by Eden Alene, who finished 17th overall.
In 2018, singer Netta Barzilai became Israel’s fourth Eurovision winner when taking the crown in Lisbon, Portugal, with her song “Toy.” The song competition was held in Israel the following year.
